The update, released through the operating system's auto-update feature, comprises ten individual security tweaks, six of which are described as "critical", though users are well advised to implement all of them nonetheless. A number of the updates also target Microsoft's Office application suite.

Microsoft has also updated its Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool anti-spyware utility. The software giant posted full details of the security patches here.

Home-PC users can get more information about keeping their computer safe here. ®